Southern Africa Budget Tours and Affordable Trip Packages 2025/2026
Unlock affordable adventures in Southern Africa. Looking for a cost-effective way to explore Southern Africa? Our budget-friendly tours deliver exceptional experiences without compromising on the quality of your journey.
Duration
3 days64 days
Departures
Tour Types
Countries
Activities
Physical Rating
Accommodations
Simple stays with essential amenities. Typically guesthouses, hostels or hotels rated below 3 stars — clean, no-frills, and great for value-conscious travelers.
Comfortable and reliable 3-star stays. Expect private rooms, en-suite bathrooms, and solid amenities — a great balance between comfort and cost.
Upscale 4-5 star hotels and lodges. Enjoy high-end service, refined comfort, and premium locations — ideal for travelers seeking extra indulgence.
Overall this was an excellent tour. The Cape Town section was great with a wide variety of sites to visit. The lunch at Penguino in Hermanus was delicious and hilarious. The Cullinan Hotel was very good and we appreciated the visit to the District Six museum - an eye opener. However, the transition to Hoedspruit was poor - we were not given our flight times, the flight was delayed for 5 hours, there was no direct communication with Trafalgar. That was redeemed at the Karongwe game reserve - great game viewing (Big 5 + cheetahs in 2 days) with skilled rangers and simple, comfortable accommodation. The food was good except, surprisingly, the meat was tough. The staff there were very courteous and friendly. The brief visit to Johannesburg was very good: the guided tours to the Old Fort Prison and new Constitutional Court and to Regina Mundi church and other sites in Soweto were really great. As former South Africans, we thought this tour gave all of us an excellent, short overview of the Cape, the Bush and Johannesburg. And we appreciated the personalized attention to detail from Trafalgar s guides.
Wildlife
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Lodge
Age Range
5-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Cape Town, Johannesburg, Hoedspr
Cape Town, Johannesburg, Hoedspruit, Karongwe Private Game Reserve, Victoria Falls
Set out on a quest for Africa’s legendary wildlife with the "Vic Falls to Kruger" tour, a 9-day road journey from Victoria Falls to Johannesburg. Travelers will experience the thrill of safari in three premier parks—Hwange, Matobo, and Kruger—searching for the Big Five and more. This moderately active group trip also invites you to connect with local culture in a Limpopo province village and discover South Africa’s modern capital. With all accommodations, meals, and transport provided, this tour package combines diverse landscapes, rich traditions, and world-class wildlife viewing. Particularly unique is its blend of top-tier game parks and authentic village interactions, making it a well-rounded trip for anyone passionate about nature and culture.
Road tripWildlife
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Camping, Sleeper Bus, Home-stay
Age Range
15-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Johannesburg, Victoria Falls, Hw
Johannesburg, Victoria Falls, Hwange National Park, Matobo National Park, Makushu Village, Kruger National Park
Overall I believe this trip was absolutely worth the money. Botswana was incredibly underrated. Maybe the best animal sightings and experiences of 2 months traveling Africa. Namibia was STUNNING. It was a smaller group but I can’t understand why. Amazing picturesque landscapes, adventures and fun safaris. Across the board it was a great trip and I highly recommend.
Adventure
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Tent, Lodge
Age Range
18-35 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Kasane, Windhoek, Makgadikgadi P
Kasane, Windhoek, Makgadikgadi Pans, Etosha National Park, Okavango Delta, Maun, Sossusvlei, Swakopmund
Craving an adventure that captures the soul of southern Africa? The "Kruger, Coast & Cape" tour takes you from Johannesburg to Cape Town over 22 unforgettable days. This moderately active trip combines game drives in Kruger National Park, golden beaches, and the lush wetlands of the St Lucia Estuary. Meet Xhosa communities in Cintsa, hike scenic coastlines, and end with two lively nights in Cape Town. Accommodation, meals, and transport are provided, letting you focus on exploring. The standout feature is its comprehensive coverage—from savanna to city, beach to vineyard—making this tour package a diverse and richly rewarding journey for those with a love of varied scenery and local culture.
Road tripWildlife
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Camping, Lodge, Sleeper Bus, Hut
Age Range
15-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Cape Town, Johannesburg, Drakens
Cape Town, Johannesburg, Drakensberg, Lesotho Highlands, Cintsa, Addo Elephant National Park, Tsitsikamma National Park, Oudtshoorn, Kruger National Park, Swellendam, Hermanus, Hlane Royal National Park, Mozambique Beach Camp, St Lucia Estuary, Zululand, Durban
I had an amazing time. Highlights were Kruger national park and the Delta and the nighlty camp fires under the stars. It was a well planned trip mainly due to our tour leader Thabang, Lizzie our cook and Vincent our driver. There were long drives as per the itinerary but it was the only way to see the beautiful southern africa in a timely manner. Thank you for a great trip!
Road tripWildlife
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Camping, Sleeper Bus, Home-stay
Age Range
15-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Johannesburg, Victoria Falls, Hw
Johannesburg, Victoria Falls, Hwange National Park, Bulawayo, Moremi Gorge, Blouberg, Kruger National Park, Khama Rhino Sanctuary, Maun, Okavango Delta, Nata, Chobe National Park
From the dramatic cliffs of Cape Town to the thundering Victoria Falls, the 25-day Cape Town to Victoria Falls Kruger Camping tour offers families a sweeping adventure through southern Africa’s most iconic landscapes. This trip covers Fish River Canyon, Okavango Delta, Hazyview, and 17 other destinations in Zimbabwe, South Africa, and three additional countries. Inclusive of accommodation, transport, and meals, this guided small group tour allows families to immerse themselves in diverse cultures and abundant wildlife. The standout feature of this tour package is its rich itinerary, connecting world-renowned parks and natural wonders in a single journey, ideal for families seeking the ultimate African overland experience.
ExplorerDesert safaris
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Camping, Lodge, Tent
Age Range
18-75 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Livingstone, Maun, Etosha Nation
Livingstone, Maun, Etosha National Park, Cederberg, Windhoek, Okavango Delta, Nata, Kasane, Orange River, Bulawayo, Tshipise, Hazyview, Kruger National Park, Pretoria, Fish River Canyon, Sesriem, Sossus, Swakopmund, Spitzkoppe, Cape Town
I really enjoyed the locations. Especially the Roman ruins and the villages we stayed in. It was a really great cultural experience.
Road tripWildlife
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Camping, Tent, Sleeper Bus, Bungalow
Age Range
15-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Nairobi, Cape Town, Spitzkoppe
Nairobi, Cape Town, Spitzkoppe, Etosha National Park, Grootfontein, Bagani, Okavango Delta, Chobe National Park, Victoria Falls, Bulawayo, Masvingo, Harare, Lusaka, Petauke, Orange River, South Luangwa National Park, Lake Malawi, Chitimba, Iringa, Mikumi National Park, Dar Es Salaam, Stone Town, Fish River Canyon, Bagamoyo, Usambara Mountains, Arusha, Karatu, Serengeti National Park, Mto Wa Mbu, Sesriem, Lake Nakuru National Park, Eldoret, Kampala, Kalinzu Forest National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kisoro, Gorilla Trek, Mbarara, Jinja, Sossusvlei, Kericho, Masai Mara National Reserve, Swakopmund
Ready to channel your inner explorer? The "Essential Botswana" tour invites adventurous young adults to embark on a 9-day journey from Johannesburg to Victoria Falls, delving into the heart of Africa’s wild places. This easy activity safari follows the lifeblood of the continent—its rivers—across the Kalahari Desert, Okavango Delta, Khama Rhino Sanctuary, and Chobe National Park.
Track rhinos across sandy plains, glide in a mokoro canoe past elephants and hippos, and camp on Kwando River floodplains beneath star-studded skies. Spot wildlife on Chobe’s legendary game drives and marvel at the thundering power of Victoria Falls, capping off an adventure like no other.
With accommodation, transport, meals, and expert guidance included, this adventure trip combines comfort with authentic wilderness experiences. The USP? A river-focused safari that maximizes wildlife encounters and delivers the best of Botswana and Zimbabwe in a single, action-packed tour package.
Adventure
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Camping, Sleeper Bus, Hotel
Age Range
18-35 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Johannesburg, Victoria Falls, Kh
Johannesburg, Victoria Falls, Khama Rhino Sanctuary, Maun, Okavango Delta, Caprivi Strip, Kwando River, Chobe National Park
From the thunderous spray of Victoria Falls to the wildlife-rich savannas of Kruger and Hwange, the "Essential African Safari" trip is a 9-day adventure through the heart of southern Africa. Specially designed for young adults craving excitement, this easy activity tour connects Zimbabwe and South Africa’s top highlights with plenty of animal encounters along the way.
Travel from Victoria Falls to Johannesburg, experiencing day and night 4x4 safaris in some of Africa’s most renowned national parks. Spot the Big Five, explore the ancient rock formations of Matobo, and unwind in vibrant cities. With accommodation, transport, meals, and group camaraderie all included, it’s a seamless way to experience Africa’s wild side.
What makes this tour package unique? The blend of three iconic destinations—Victoria Falls, Hwange, and Kruger—guarantees a diverse array of landscapes, wildlife, and cultures, all packed into a single, unforgettable journey.
Adventure
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Camping, Hotel, Sleeper Bus
Age Range
18-35 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Johannesburg, Victoria Falls, Hw
Johannesburg, Victoria Falls, Hwange National Park, Bulawayo, Tshipise, Kruger National Park
Travelers who crave variety and adventure will find the "Garden Route Adventure" the perfect fit. Over 14 days, journey from Durban to Cape Town along South Africa’s famed Garden Route, with stops in the Lesotho Highlands, Hermanus, and Cintsa’s Xhosa communities. Enjoy elephant spotting in Addo National Park, hiking mountain trails, and two lively nights in Cape Town. With moderate activity, a mix of included safaris and free time, and all travel logistics sorted, this road tour appeals to those who want it all—nature, culture, and coastline. Its unique strength is the blend of diverse landscapes and authentic local interactions, making it a standout tour package for adventurous spirits.
Road trip
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Camping, Lodge, Hotel, Sleeper Bus, Hut
Age Range
15-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Cape Town, Durban, Garden Route
Cape Town, Durban, Garden Route National Park, Tsitsikamma National Park, Oudtshoorn, Swellendam, Hermanus, Drakensberg, Lesotho Highlands, Cintsa, Addo Elephant National Park
